This is nice example of a Model 1866 Lever Action rifle that was manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1870. The Model 1866 was the first gun manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. after its charter was granted by the State of Connecticut in May 1866. The Model 1866 established the association between the Winchester lever action rifle and the American frontier. Equally desired by frontiersmen and Native Americans, the "Yellow Boy". This rifle has the distinctive all brass receiver and side plates, forearm cap, cartridge elevator and buttplate with blue 24 inch full octagon barrel and full-length magazine. The hammer and lever are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain American black walnut. The rifle has factory special order sling swivels on the forearm cap and stock. The barrel has a large special order nickel-silver knife blade front sight blade and early Henry style folding leaf rear sight. The rear sight leaf has a rounded top with 900 yard center notch and a elevator bar stop screw. The upper tang has a single screw and is not drilled and tapped for a tang sight. The buttplate has a hinged trap door. The Third Model receiver has the serial number stamped in block numerals on the lower tang behind the trigger. A small "B" Winchester inspection mark is stamped on the lower tang behind the serial number. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN.CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight.

Very good overall with the barrel and magazine tube retaining traces of the original blue finish with the balance a crisp mix of aged brown patina and some minor light scratches and fine pitted areas towards the muzzle area, probably from sitting in a leather scabbard. The receiver, side plates, cartridge elevator and buttplate all retain a nice subdued mustard yellow appearance, with the edges of the side plates being nice and tight. The sanded/re-oiled wood is good with some minor handling dents and scratches in some areas, with some heavier gouges on the upper front edge of the forend. The wood to metal fit is nice and close with some slight shrinkage, since its only 144 years old! Mechanically excellent. A very nice looking all original Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action rifle.